Gardenia fragrance is an Oolong tea hand crafted on Phoenix Mountain Wudong peak in Guangdong Province at an elevation of about 1100 meters. The mother tree was named after Grandpa Jia Chang (pictured below) by his great-grandfather who was tending the tree at Jia Chang's birth. This tree has a long history indeed.

The fragrance and flavor both carry the complexity of Gardenia flowers, a natural sweetness and a touch of vanilla. The brewed tea is a pleasing bright gold especially when viewed in white porcelain cups.

 Pairs well with raw and cooked seafood, lamb, nuts and non-chocolate desserts.

Storage: Store unused portions sealed in an airtight bag away from light in the freezer at 5F/-15C or below.  

Brewing water: Poland Spring (called Origin Brand in some areas) brand mineral water produces the finest results. Soft water, distilled water and hard water will ruin this tea. Tap water varies wildly and is best avoided as well. If you don't have Poland Spring (called Origin Brand in some areas) brand mineral water available please see good substitutions on our water page.

Brewing temperature: 100C/212F  

Brewing method:  5g tea leaves (~2 heaping Tablespoons), 100ml (a bit less than 1/2 cup) water each time for 5 seconds in a Chinese gaiwan or a small pot. After the first 10 infusions, increase each infusion time by 5 seconds. To produce lighter tea, either decrease amount of tea, increase amount of water or decrease brewing time. To produce stronger tea, either increase amount of tea, decrease amount of water or increase brewing time. You can easily adjust to suit your individual taste.

Notes: Small quick infusions showcase the changing flavors of each cup. Longer brewing times in larger quantities of water end up more homogeneous, but still very good results.